The world is all about labeling you. In some instances you’re just a number or a category. Make a medical appointment and the first thing they ask you for is your date of birth. If you bank by phone they don’t ask for your name they ask you for the last four digits of your social security number. After a few minutes they say, “I found you. What can I do for you today?”

How about those forms where you’re forced to categorize yourself by age, sex, income and race. Then there’s that blank box that says “Other”, that barely gives you enough space to describe yourself. I’m often tempted to write, Wonder Woman. My kids would get a kick out of that. As a believer though, I’ve always wanted to write “Child of God.” I may do that next time. 🙂

The sad truth is we’re guilty of labeling ourselves. I’ve had complete strangers and acquaintances compliment me and even point out my strengths but whenever I look at myself all I could see are my flaws. My husband calls me beautiful and I launch into an argument to try to convince him otherwise. He often accuses me of not being able to take a compliment. Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s right.

One day, while I was verbally beating myself up, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “That’s not who you are.” I stopped and thought, What am I doing? This isn’t how the Father sees me.

If we could see ourselves through Heaven’s lens, imagine what we would see.

Who does Jesus say you are? Jesus says:

You are a Friend of God

A Co-heir with Christ

You’re the light of the world

The salt of the earth

Trees of Righteousness

The Apple of God’s eye

Heirs to the Promise

A Royal Priesthood

Valued by God

Jesus’ Brothers and Sisters

You are as Christ

Blessed

Saved

Redeemed

Forgiven

A Child of God

You are The One God so Loved

The One worth dying for and fighting for

Simply put, You are His!

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